Shabbat Shalom

5k, Half

10k, Marathon

I went a little run crazy this year by completing a

5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and Marathon!

It was such a great experience and I love running even more than ever. I never thought I would be one of those people doing a race every few weekends or talking about multiple half marathons. But now that I'm hooked, its hard not to spend all of my savings on races. 

The possibilities of our bodies never cease to amaze me especially watching the Olympics this week and my own personal experience with fitness. I think this scripture is a great motto not only for fitness, but in all areas of life:

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Phillipians 4:13

Shabbat Shalom

Provo River Run

My second 1/2 marathon is did and done.

This was one of the best races ever because I got to run with my sister and focus on finishing her first 1/2 (and the longest she has ever ran!). 

I was a little concerned because I was undertrained, but no injuries or dehydration. A LOT better than my first 1/2

A spectator said we looked like twins.

Maybe because we sweat in all the same places?

Congrats to Steve on his first 1/2 as well!

My craze for running is rubbing off on the family.

The trail was mostly downhill and we shaded for a good majority. The race was not sponsored so it was not professional in a lot of areas and the shirts were hideous. They did however give us this spiffy photo instead of a medal. 

Good race, fun race.

Graffiti Me Run

I just embarked on the happiest run of my life.

I mean, what's more blissful than running while people throw color on you?

My white little outfit beforehand. 

Good thing my face, arms, and legs are just as white as my outfit.

The swag bag they gave us was pretty awesome.

Nice t-shirts that were not unisex and color happy shades.

And after the festivities. I found my friend Ben there as well.

My lovely handprint inspired by the Uruk-hai

It really was a fun race. It was suppose to be a 5k, but either they lied or my mile radar is off because it seemed to be a lot shorter. Of course, running flies by when you're with your sister. The course was easy and they didn't time you so it was completely just for fun. 

Time to Play Catch Up

Due to a serious lack of blogging motivation, you get to be blessed with a catch up post. And you know what that means: one uber long post in which I spout off random tangents.

 I am done with my fifth semester of college! 

The only thing I miss about my last semester were my roomies. They were a hoot and a holler.

Other than that, hallelujah.

Back in Malta for the next 6ish weeks.

So the next 6ish weeks consist of:

A. Playing with the honyocks

B. Taking my time to exercise (mostly zumba and running)

I come home from Miss Jewelee's Zumba class dripping with sweat.

Also, the day I came home from college I went straight to a zumbathon she put on. SO. MUCH. FUN.

The dirt roads are glad to have me running on them again, I'm sure.

C. Once again any socialization usually deals with some form of church activity. Last week- scavenger hunt for FHE, instititute, International Dance Festival, and four-wheelering.

D. And eating all of the Mummsie's food.

I haven't done this in a while, but I love to eat mandarin oranges with chopsticks.

I don't really have an explanation....

Other than moving from Rexburg and settling back into my Malta routine, I have been prepping for England! September 17th cannot come fast enough. 

The Olympics have only fueled the fire. 

The Opening Ceremony had pretty much everything I love about England.

Not to mention all of the team's fun outfits.

Read, Run, Rain

 READ:

I finished my last Young Adult Lit book today.

That's 25 books, folks.

It was easily my favorite homework.

RUN:

Beautiful run today. 

Mostly because of the....

RAIN:

Thunderstorm!

I ran right through it and then played in

the puddles with my roommates.

Rain makes my heart yearn for Seattle.

I was reminded of this run a couple of years ago.

Dad,

Vacation maybe?

I guess I'll just have to settle for England in a couple of months.

Malta Fun Run 2012

Ran a little 10k and by little I mean 6 people.

And by little I mean running on gravel roads and in people's yard in order to avoid some grain trucks.

(Hopefully they don't disqualify me for running out of bounds)

And by not-so-little I mean the cannon that starts the race.

1st place winner and 1st place loser

Yes we planned the matching outfits.

Rundown:

(no pun intended)

1st place woman

2nd place overall

2nd 10k

Same time as my first

58:09

HOT

I was hoping to get a better time BUT I ran like twice in the past 2 weeks and small town factors that I mentioned above.

It was good, but next time we meet 10k, I guarantee a faster time.

PS My photos remind me of this quote:

If you still look pretty after, you didn't do it right.

Shabbat Shalom

So I use to joke around that I could get injured all I wanted after the marathon.

And I guess my wish was granted.

First, the plantar warts (on both feet) and then this:

For clarification the beginning of my feet are on the left side and then my injured ankle is the one without the bracelet. Yes, it looks like my ankle has a fat roll. 

Nothing too serious, but I don't like being told not to run!

Especially when I have a run next Saturday.

But you know what?

Life will go on and it makes me appreciate my ankles that much more.

Thank you ankles, for all that you have done for me. 

Running is Happiness

Running makes me utterly happy and I'm not just talking about endorphins.

And sometimes, you get a "foot injury" and have to volunteer instead.

But Mummsie got to run her first 10k including intense hills.

She's pretty coolio.

Those DAM volunteers.

26.2

WARNING: This post has an incredible amount of pictures and text ALL having to do with running.

I did it.

I ran the 26.2.

I think the easiest way to capture this is by random sections so here we go.

*My fan club! The signs they made for me were perfecto!*

Spectators at the race: Any support is welcomed and marathon fans are almost as crazy as the marathoners themselves (almost). There were cowbells, posters, cheerleaders, and cameras. Many of the locals set up sprinklers (heaven-sent) and their own aid stations with fruit and popsicles. My favorite was the "Temptation Station" where they offered beer and doughnuts. 

*Right before I left*

The Course: It was well set-up and an overall great course. It was mostly downhill with only two little hills (except the hill at mile 25 didn't seem too little). It included residential areas, highway, and city. I always love being in the midst of the tall city buildings so ending the marathon there was absolutely perfect (except for the hill at mile 25). 

*Finish line*

The Finish Line: I think I was just in a state of awe. Running a marathon is one of those things that most people put on their bucket list, but never really get to it. Not this girl. The whole experience seemed to just float by and when I crossed the finish line, all I could think of was, "I just ran a marathon."

*My medal has become the apartment's pride and joy*

My medal: The coolest thing ever! It might not be a big as my 10k medal, but it has a cool swivel thingy in the middle that reminds me of Hermione Granger's time turner.

Refuel: They were sadly lacking on food at the end. C'mon, I just ran all morning! They did have some chocolate milk though which tasted oh-so-good. After I got some shut-eye and a shower we went to Macaroni Grill which was a perfect celebratory meal.

*My sister and mom finishing the 5k. Remember that hill at mile 25 that I keep complaining about? Well, they totally dominated it and the 5k. Good job ladies!*

Weather/Fuel/Pit Stops: It was a super nice day which translates into Janeen-don't-dehydrate-or-else-it-will-end-horrible. I made to take precautions with plenty of sunblock and a hat. About mile 16 I was at the point of dumping water on myself at every aid station. I also made sure to drink water or Powerade at every aid station as well. This required one restroom stop at mile 14 where I had to wait a couple of minutes to get in. Curse men who can just go in the bushes off the side of the road. Other fuel included GU, otter pops, and  oranges. I learned early on in my training that my stomach doesn't do too well with many fuels. 

*Low-fiving it*

Pace: My official time was 5:02:55. Yes, I was 2 minutes and 56 seconds from being under 5 hours, but you know what, I don't regret my time. That is where I thought I would be based on my long runs throughout training. I had an absolutely horrendous negative split (running the 1st half in 2:15 and the 2nd half in 2:45). Oh well. The first bit was a lot cooler and a steeper decline....and my legs were more fresh.

One of my biggest goals for the marathon (other than finishing it) was to enjoy the experience. My half marathon experience was not that hot and I wanted this race to be different. And different it was. There were times when I was tired, but holy crow, that's 26.2 miles so of course there's fatigue. I even prepared myself to "hit the wall," but it never came. (Probably because my pace wasn't painfully fast).

The thought that has ran through my mind as I have reflected upon this is that the marathon experience is beautiful. The human body is incredible and there is great growth which is involved. My love for running has increased and you bet I'm going to keep running my little heart out. 

Does this mean another marathon in the future?

Who knows, but for now, the SLC Marathon has been one of the most incredible life experiences yet. 

Today is the Day!

Today I'm going to get up really early in the morning.
Today I'm going to eat my pre-run breakfast, pull my hair into a ponytail, and slather on the sunscreen.
Today I'm going to tie up my Brooks and pin my bib onto my running shirt.
Today I'm going to mingle with other runners, using  the porta-potty's numerous times.
Today I'm going to listen for the gun marking the start and then run.
Today I'm going to run.
Today I'm going to maneuver the aide stations and run some more.
Today I'm going to run even more.
Today I'm going to run further than I ever have.
Today I'm going to run 26.2 miles.
Today I'm going to run a marathon.

Some Runnin' Inspiration

"I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart."

15 Reasons Why I Love Being a Runner

1. No matter the pace, you're a runner!

2. Can you say endorphins and happiness?

3. You get awesome/awkward tan lines

4. The equipment is only a pair of shoes...unless you run barefoot

5. The running community is super positive and encouraging

6. Anyone can do it. It just takes time and building mileage

7. You can wear some pretty cute gear such as skorts

8. Everyone gets a medal

9. You get to see (and hear and smell and touch and taste if you want to) the beauty of this earth

10. Your nasty feet make you feel like a champion

11. Time to think...and a lot of it

12. Candy is considered fuel for a run

13. And chocolate milk is considered refuel

14. Its helps you stay healthy

15. It makes you aware of how miraculous your body truly is

Meet The Brooks

Even though Decca and the Mummsie will be running a 5k on the same day, The Brooks are the only ones who have been with me throughout the whole marathon training.

I mean, they've been with me every step of the way (Cue just-made-a-joke-drum-noise)

Without further ado...

1. What makes you great partners for running? Comfort and blister-free

2. Current conditions? Dust-covered

3. Do you prefer dirt or asphalt road? Asphalt, it's more even

4. Favorite socks to run with? Brooks, of course

5. Furthest you have ran? 20 miles...soon to be 26.2!

6. What other activities do you enjoy? Kickboxing, cardio fusion, and the elliptical

7. What are the best running conditions? Sunny with a slight breeze or a warm drizzle

8. Least favorite part of running? Ice, wind, and barking dogs

9. Most memorable run? Running 100 laps in the BYU-I center

10. Best advice for the upcoming run? 

Running Back to the Past

Today we're going back to the Boston Marathon in the year 1967. At that time, only men ran marathons, but Kathrine Switzer changed that. 

Instead of me blabbing on about how great she is, why don't we hear her story from none other than Kathrine Switzer herself:

Isn't that a crazy, yet inspiring story?

You can find out more about Kathrine here.

Movie Monday

If you haven't watched this, please enlighten yourself. 

Shabbat Shalom

In lieu of all this running-ness, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for this amazing experience.

THANK YOU to those who have allowed me to have a body that can perform this amazing feat.

THANK YOU for those who have given me the mental endurance that running long distances require.

THANK YOU for the emotional support and encouragement.

THANK YOU for the spirit to run this marathon. It takes a lot.

Run Happy.

A-E

A. I don't give credit to the beauty Idaho possesses.

I mean, look at that sunrise.

B. I'd Craft That

 Holey Toms that are no longer holey.

Pink stained jacket, meet red dyed jacket.

His and Her mugs.

Flip flops for Dad. One was for his B-day and the other for Father's Day.

Braided Spaghetti Bread.

Heart made from dried flower petals.

Scripture case made from cereal box.

C. Remember that time I went to a Sara Bareilles' concert? Well I finally uploaded a video. The sound quality is not that great, but it brings that concert feeling, right?

D. Love this video. Can you imagine witnessing that?

E. And finally, by this time next week I will (hopefully) be done with this thing we call a marathon. I'm in taper mode right now along with try to get some good sleep and start cutting back on fiber and dairy mode. Ahhhh! It's happening people! And this wind in Malta is making me more than prepared for what's coming. My reading for the week has been going through Runner's World magazines.

So if you don't want to read anything having to do with a marathon, I suggest that you stay away from my blog for a week. 

Homeless

My Hello Kitty pen has seen its last days:

It's been in my pencil case for 2 years which is why it looks like a stray black kitty.

It finally ran out of ink...

I got to see (most of) mi familia this weekend which I loved. My favorite parts were holding my new niece, going on a family run with some bikes and rollerblades, and midnight premier fun.

I just have the most awesome family ever.

My marathon is less than a month away!!

I think I'm looking forward to killing myself on sweets more than the marathon.

Sugar is a good motivation for me.

One of my favorite things while training is feeling myself get stronger, especially on my long runs. It is amazing to think of what our bodies are capable of doing. Running and exercising truly makes me feel closer to my Creator. I love running outside in this beautiful world even if the dogs try to bite me, the wind steals my breath, or I have to jump over ice patches. This has been an awe-filled experience.

I'll save more random tangents for another day.

The Day I Ran 100 Laps in the BYU- I Center*

You read that right.

100 laps around and around.

And around.

Why?

Because I needed to run 18 miles for my training.

That translates into 99 laps on the indoor track.

I thought I might as well do one more.

The good/bad thing about the indoor track is that it makes me a little competitive.

I ran those 18 miles in 3 hours and 10 minutes.

I know, not that fast, but it was faster than my 17 miler.

Only a few more weeks until its 8.2 more.

*So I found this in my list of posts as a draft. Now I only have 7.2 miles to go!

Busy Times Ahead

Hi friends.

It's been too long.

Why don't I greet you with a creepy picture of me:

I honestly did try to make it smaller so I wouldn't cause nightmares.

So that picture was taken right after a run,

And no, that's not sweat, it's called running in the rain and being completely drenched.

Loved it!

Marathon training is going well and I'm right on schedule. I just ran 14 miles which is my longest run yet! I keep telling myself that training with icy roads, hills, and dogs will only make my marathon that much better.

And what better way to reward all those miles than with deserts?

Life is going great:

Shaking L. Tom Perry's hand, amazing New Testament classes, learning lots and lots, my co-workers at work, going to Winco and Chick-fil-A for the first time, some fun dates, crazy roommate time, and trying to survive this thing they call college.